"Revolutionizing Orthopedic & Sports Rehab: Topical Cannabis Products and Warm Water Therapy"
Orthopedic and sports rehabilitation clinics are constantly exploring new and innovative ways to help athletes recover from injuries and enhance their performance. In recent years, the integration of cannabis-based products into rehabilitation protocols has gained attention for their potential benefits. In this blog, we'll discuss the emerging use of topical cannabis products and warm water therapy as viable options in the field of orthopedic and sports rehab, especially for more serious injuries.
In recent years, an increasing number of sports leagues, spanning from collegiate to professional levels, have begun to embrace the potential benefits of CBD applications in athletic recovery and pain management. This shift reflects a growing awareness of the potential therapeutic properties of CBD, particularly in reducing inflammation and promoting overall well-being without the psychoactive effects associated with THC. As CBD research continues to evolve and regulatory barriers soften, sports organizations are recognizing the opportunity to provide their athletes with alternative and potentially safer methods for addressing injuries and post-competition recovery. This movement toward CBD applications marks a significant step forward in the sports industry, opening up new possibilities for athletes looking to optimize their performance and overall health while minimizing the risks associated with traditional pain management techniques.
The Rise of Topical Cannabis Products
Topical cannabis products have gained popularity in recent years as a non-invasive, convenient, and potentially effective way to manage pain and inflammation, making them a promising addition to orthopedic and sports rehab clinics. These products, such as creams, balms, salves, and patches, offer localized relief without the psychoactive effects associated with ingesting cannabis.
Benefits of Topical Cannabis Products
Targeted Pain Relief: Topical cannabis products can be applied directly to the affected area, providing localized relief. This is especially beneficial for athletes with injuries in specific muscle groups or joints.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Cannabis contains cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, which have anti-inflammatory properties. When applied topically, these cannabinoids may help reduce inflammation in the injured area, promoting faster healing.
Minimal Side Effects: Unlike oral or inhaled cannabis, topicals have a reduced risk of causing systemic side effects or impairing an athlete's performance. They are non-psychoactive and don't enter the bloodstream.
Customizable Dosage: Clinicians can easily adjust the dosage by applying more or less of the product, tailoring treatment to the athlete's needs.
Warm Water Therapy: An Ideal Companion
Warm water therapy has long been recognized as a valuable tool in sports rehabilitation, offering both physiological and psychological benefits. The combination of warm water therapy with topical cannabis products can further enhance the recovery process, particularly for athletes with serious injuries.
Benefits of Warm Water Therapy
Pain Reduction: Immersion in warm water helps alleviate pain and discomfort, allowing athletes to perform exercises and stretches more effectively during rehab sessions.
Improved Blood Circulation: Warm water promotes vasodilation, increasing blood flow to injured areas. This enhanced circulation can accelerate the healing process by delivering nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissues.
Enhanced Muscle Relaxation: The buoyancy of warm water reduces the weight-bearing load on injured joints and muscles, allowing for better relaxation and improved mobility during rehabilitation exercises.
Mental and Emotional Wellbeing: Warm water therapy can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are common among athletes dealing with injuries. It creates a soothing and calming environment that supports the overall healing process.
Warm water therapy, when coupled with the application of cannabis-based products, offers a myriad of physical and mental benefits. Physically, the warmth of the water soothes and relaxes muscles, promoting better mobility, reducing pain, and increasing blood circulation to the injured or affected areas. The combined effect of warm water and cannabis topicals may enhance the absorption of cannabinoids, leading to more effective localized relief. Mentally, the tranquil environment of warm water therapy induces relaxation, reducing stress and anxiety often associated with injuries. This harmonious combination not only accelerates the physical healing process but also provides a mental sanctuary for athletes, fostering a positive mindset crucial for rehabilitation and overall well-being.
Combining Cannabis Topicals with Warm Water Therapy
The combination of cannabis topicals and warm water therapy can be particularly effective for athletes with serious injuries, such as torn ligaments or post-surgery recovery. Here's how the two methods complement each other:
I. Pre-Session Application: Prior to a warm water therapy session, applying cannabis topicals to the affected area can help alleviate pain and inflammation, allowing the athlete to engage in rehab exercises more comfortably.
II. During Water Immersion: Athletes can benefit from the localized action of cannabis topicals while in the warm water, where the body's absorption of cannabinoids may be enhanced due to increased blood flow.
III. Post-Session Recovery: After the warm water therapy session, the application of cannabis topicals can help maintain pain relief and support the healing process as athletes continue their rehab outside the water.
Orthopedic and sports rehabilitation clinics are continually seeking innovative methods to enhance the recovery and performance of athletes. The use of topical cannabis products and warm water therapy has emerged as a promising option, especially for those with serious injuries. By combining the localized relief offered by cannabis topicals with the physiological and psychological benefits of warm water therapy, clinics can offer a comprehensive and effective approach to orthopedic and sports rehab, ultimately improving athletes' well-being and their chances of a successful recovery. As regulations and research evolve, the integration of these methods into mainstream sports rehabilitation could revolutionize the field and redefine the way athletes approach their recovery journeys.
Cannabis-infused beverages
Cannabis-infused beverages have gained attention as potential aids in the rehabilitation and recovery processes for athletes. These beverages, often designed with a balanced combination of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD, offer a unique approach to managing pain and inflammation associated with sports injuries. For athletes undergoing rehabilitation, the analgesic properties of cannabinoids can help alleviate pain, allowing for a more comfortable recovery experience. Additionally, CBD, a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, has anti-inflammatory properties that may contribute to reducing swelling and promoting faster healing. The controlled and measured doses in cannabis drinks provide athletes with a consistent and reliable way to incorporate these benefits into their recovery routines.
Moreover, cannabis beverages can contribute to the psychological aspect of rehabilitation for athletes. The stress and anxiety associated with injuries can impede the recovery process, and cannabis, particularly CBD, has been recognized for its potential to promote relaxation and alleviate stress. By incorporating cannabis-infused drinks into their recovery regimen, athletes may experience a sense of calm and improved sleep quality, essential factors in the overall healing process. It's crucial, however, for athletes to consult with healthcare professionals and adhere to relevant regulations to ensure that cannabis consumption aligns with their specific rehabilitation needs and doesn't compromise their athletic performance or well-being.
Let’s chat with Entrepreneur Phil Morrison
PHIL-osophical Gourmet Wellness, brainchild of Phil Morrison a culinary school grad and an aircraft electrician, was founded as Loud Wings in Phila. circa 2019. After being laid off from a military contract due to the govt. shutdown, and prior to opening a soul food restaurant with Stepfather. Phil was presented with an idea to try his hand at edibles, the very first attempt was a success when he made THC infused buffalo wings on Super bowl weekend. After a few months of creating unconventional products (wings, mac and cheese, cupcakes etc.) he thought to utilize his recipes for all natural fruit juices which were initially developed for catering purposes to add delicious refreshment for clients. Now those same recipes, after being combined with the medicinal benefits of cannabis, have been transcended to mind elevating and physical relief providing beverages. Turns out that from his passion for creating good tasting food from scratch and combining natural flavors to accomplish this task, the health benefits of those same foods get passed down to add aid to body and brain muscles alike. Through the understanding of this, Loud Wings was transformed from tasty edible treats to the health conscious rehab and recovery brand it is today. PHIL-osophical Gourmet Wellness and its brand owner take pride in helping people bring comfort and relief to life and all its experiences.
While not for everyone Mr. Morrison states in his own words...
as the psychoactive effect can turn some off and should not be used for minors (unless dire needs and physicians deem it necessary), THC products can also fit into rehab and recovery routines and be extremely beneficial. Products such as THC infused all natural fruit juices from PHIL-osophical Gourmet Wellness can be used for pre and post workouts and therapy sessions. Scientific studies have shown, and consumers agree, that the cannabinoids in THC and CBD can help play a role in reducing inflammation which is one of the most common causes of pain. Cannabis can be used to relieve pain and aches from muscles and injuries in a way that can be similar to steroids but without the negative side effects or stigmas.
When used as pre-workout, THC beverages play out in this way. Just a few sips prior to starting an exercise or therapy session, begin with a warmup routine that in a way similar to warm water therapy heats up and loosens muscles and joints. By the time your warmup is completed (15-20 minutes) the cannabis beverage will begin to take effect, alleviating the burn from muscle tear during your regimen allowing you to work harder and longer thus building larger muscles or aiding more in recovery from injuries. Simultaneously the THC elevates your mind which takes your thoughts off the tedious task at hand, helping to improve the workout or therapeutic experience. Post workout can be either THC or CBD allowing for continued recovery and relaxation physiologically and psychologically. Follow Phil Morrison on Instagram @phil_osophicalbrand2
This serves as the IIMD poll intended for informational purposes.
IIMD POLL | Would you purchase CBD from your Sports Medicine Clinic /or Doctor?
- Yes
- No
Sources: Med Well Health & Wellness Center , Medical News Today
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